Cirrhosis And Its Imaging Characteristics On Ultrasound

Cirrhosis can present with a variety of features on ultrasound imaging. Common findings include a reduction in liver size, disproportionate liver lobes, an enlarged spleen, and widening of the portal vein. When complications arise due to cirrhosis, ultrasound may reveal the presence of ascites and a significant decrease in liver elasticity.

In addition to these imaging signs, patients with cirrhosis often develop splenomegaly and hypersplenism, which can lead to decreased levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets as seen in a complete blood count test. Biochemical markers may also show elevated bilirubin levels—particularly direct bilirubin—along with reduced albumin and increased transaminase enzymes.

Another critical aspect of cirrhosis is its impact on coagulation. The liver's ability to produce clotting factors becomes impaired, leading to varying degrees of coagulopathy. This manifests in laboratory results as prolonged clotting times and reduced prothrombin activity.

For more detailed evaluation, additional imaging modalities such as CT or MRI may be used, which could demonstrate complications like esophageal and gastric varices—dilated veins in the esophagus or stomach caused by increased pressure in the portal venous system. These findings are crucial for managing patients with advanced liver disease.